Archives for April 2007
10 Essential Needs of a Thriving Community
Where We Could Be Who We Are
When I was kid I used to hide out in my room or in the basement to play music and dance, or paint all afternoon. If my friend, Craig, was around we’d do the same, find a place where we could be who we are without the world telling us what to do.
We were just two, but were a community of like-minded thinkers. When the other kids came over, we were more.
How to Make Room for a Community
I don’t think anyone can build a community. Community is an idea, a feeling, an agreement. It’s sweet and tenuous and only lasts as lightly and long as it is respected. It’s an investment, that it takes time and patience. When I came here I knew a little bit about how to do it, but learned most of what I know from the folks who come to visit.
10 Things about Making Room for a Community
- A community needs a high-trust environment. A high-trust environment means being there when folks need a friend or a teacher. It means having a vision and set of principles that they can count on being the same tomorrow.
- A community has plenty of room for folks to be who we are. When we’re with friends we don’t have to self-conscious or guarded. In a community, I like the way you see me. No one puts people in boxes or steps on their feelings.
- To grow a community, be a guide alongside — not the sage on the stage. Set aside the instruction manual writing. Stop teaching your friends and start learning iwth with them.
- Have conversations that are about them. Ask how they’re doing, what they’re doing, why they’re doing it and then listen. When you’re done. Listen again.
- Reach out to everyone, every chance that you get. When someone says “hello,” answer “how can I help?”
- Look for reasons to start conversations. Invite people in. When someone visits make that person a friend.
- When you hear a story about another person, put your own name in the story before you choose to believe it.
- Know that folks make mistakes and that some do so on purpose. Know which mistakes are the ones that won’t work in your community and make sure that you never allow them. Dislike the act, not the person.
- Talk about things that are fun, engaging, and refreshing to talk about. Give people a chance to play once in a while.
- Keep your head and heart together and always about the people who visit.
Those are the basics of making room for a community. It’s a lot like opening your mind and inviting people to be who they are.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Hey Listen to Christine Before SOBCon!
Not Only a New Blog
Christine Kane not only has a new blog, but she has an entire CD, Right Outta Nowhere, set up for our listening pleasure. Be sure to check out #1, #5, and #11. Click her picture below to go there.
Christine will be playing a live set at SOBCon 07 on Friday night to help us unwind after our arrival, before a very special LIVE OPEN MIC NIGHT!
–ME “Liz” Strauss
ONLY 12 DAYS UNTIL THE BLOGGING EXPERIENCE THAT WILL BE INCREDIBLE — Why SOBCon not that Other One. Click the button to register now.
Bloggy Question 48: Where Was I When that Happened?
History Changes?
For those who come looking for a short, thoughtful read, a blogging life discussion, or a way to gradually ease back into the week. I offer this bloggy life question. . . .
A friend of yours, Larry, is larger than life. He seems to know everyone in the country and most of the folks online. He’s rich and highly connected, especially in home and garden television. Once when you were in New York, he invited you to an event at the Waldorf where the entire industry seemed to be in attendance.Larry is so busy in his world, that he doesn’t seem to notice that you have attained some status. Your blog has gotten press, and you’ve become known as an expert. In fact, you’re a celebrity and highly popular with the gardening set. You’ve written three books of your own and been interviewed by People, House and Garden, and Architectural Digest — not too shabby for a blogger. These days it’s not unusual to get a short bit on the Today Show when they need an expert.
After many months, you finally can announce that you have a daily spot on a national home and garden television show. While you’re reading the press release and formal announcement, Larry calls to congratulate you. Then he says how glad he is that he was able to help you land that job.
You’re stunned. Larry didn’t help. He’s never met any of the people involved. You did it on your own.
How do you respond?
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Related articles
Bloggy Question 47: Take It to the Edge
Bloggy Question 46: Beware of Making Noise
Bloggy Question 45: Take a Long Look
Bloggy Question 44: Stay Out of My Life!
Imagini
Pick a Picture, Any Picture
Start with the face wall. Then find out what the visuals you choose say about you? Find our your Vidual DNA. Mine sure seems to have gotten me right down to the letter z.
Great Find: Imagini
Permalink: http://www.imagini.net/
Target Audience: Anyone
Content: From the face wall to your profile to your visual DNA and the notebook that explains this social networking site. The test can be taken without becoming a member. And you can get a widget with your Visual DNA as well. Just click the screen shot below.
To explore the Social Site, click the shot below.
It’s just a little more fun for you.
The notebook is detailed and fun to read.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Related
https://www.successful-blog.com/1/fun-find-whats-your-personal-dna/
A Silly Left Right Brain Test
The Road: A Simple 4-Part Psychological Survey of Attitudes
Color in Motion
An Interactive Experience of Color Communication and Color Symbolism
Great Find: Color in Motion
Permalink: http://www.mariaclaudiacortes.com/
Target Audience: Anyone interested in color!
Content:
This site was created by Claudia Cortés as her thesis for the Master of Fine Arts degree in Computer Graphics Design from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
I’m not sure what’s more fun – the Stars, the Movies, or the Lab. I really like the Movies because it’s such a nice visual way to learn the symbolism of color. And the music is terrific. So many ways that color communicates.
Check it out yourself and let me know what part is your favorite.
See you next time!
–Sandy, Purple Wren
Related
Sandyââ¬â¢s Great Graphic Find: CoolText
Sandyââ¬â¢s Great Graphic Find: Pixel Ruler
Great Find: PictureTrail
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